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Football: Arkansas Game In A Box

Football: Arkansas Game In A Box

Arkansas quarterback Brandon Allen, carries during the second quarter of an NCAA college football game against the Auburn in Fayetteville, Ark., Saturday, Nov. 2, 2013. (AP Photo/Danny Johnston)

ARKANSAS (3-6, 0-5 Southeastern Conference) at OLE MISS (5-3, 2-3)

GIMME FIVE — KEYS TO TODAY’S GAME

1. Finish Drives

Arkansas moved the ball much better offensively last week, but had drives stall because of turnovers, penalties and a fourth-down failure at the goal line. The Razorbacks must find ways to finish drives to have any chance to win at Ole Miss.

2. Win Turnover Battle

The turnover troubles continued against Auburn. Arkansas committed three turnovers, forced none and that played a big factor in the loss. The Razorbacks are minus-12 in SEC games in turnover margin. It must stop.

3. Put Heat On Wallace

Ole Miss QB Bo Wallace has had a successful season, completing 62.7 percent of his passes for 11 touchdowns and just three interceptions. Arkansas’ front must help its struggling secondary today. Rushing Wallace into early throws and mistakes is key to a win.

4. Tackle Well

The Razorbacks have struggled at tackling this season, allowing opponents to turn mistakes into big plays. Arkansas needs a sound effort against Ole Miss and its collection of skilled players today. Sloppy tackling will lead to another Arkansas loss.

5. Third-Down Success

Arkansas’ offense enjoyed success on third downs last week (9-for-16) and that type of effort must continue today. Meanwhile, Arkansas’ defense struggled to get off the field against Auburn (6-for-11). The Razorbacks must win third down on both sides.

TODAY’S KEY MATCHUP

Arkansas CB Tevin Mitchel (6-0, 180, Jr.)

Key Statistics: 46 tackles, one interception, five pass break-ups.

Mitchel has one of Arkansas’ biggest defensive plays this season (the 26-yard interception return for a touchdown against Rutgers). But he’s been remembered lately for several gaffes. The latest came last week, when Mitchel misplayed the ball and it led to Auburn receiver Sammie Coates’ 88-yard touchdown catch. The Razorbacks’ most physical corner will be tested once again against Moncrief and the Rebels. His performance will play a big role in Arkansas’ defensive success today.

Ole Miss WR Donte Moncrief (6-3, 226, Jr.)

Key Statistics: 34 catches, 498 yards, four touchdowns.

Moncrief entered his junior season as one of the Southeastern Conference’s most dangerous receivers and hasn’t disappointed in 2013. While quarterback Bo Wallace has plenty of options to turn to in a talented receiving corps, Moncrief leads the Rebels in receiving yards, yards per catch and touchdowns this season. He also presents the biggest matchup problems because of his size. Moncrief caught two touchdowns passes the last time these teams met in Oxford in 2011 and will be looking for similar success today.

EDGE: Ole Miss WR Donte Moncrief

THE NUMBERS

Arkansas Individual Statistical Leaders

Passing C-A-I Pct.Yds. TD Yds./G

Brandon Allen 81-180-7 45.0 1,067 9 133.4

Rushing Att. Yds Avg. TD Yds./G

Alex Collins 159 889 5.6 4 98.8

Jonathan Williams 115 716 6.2 4 79.6

Keon Hatcher 9 124 13.8 0 17.7

Kiero Small 30 118 3.9 1 13.1

Receiving Rec. Yds. Avg. TD Yds./G

Javontee Herndon 24 377 15.7 4 41.9

Hunter Henry 18 328 18.2 1 36.4

Keon Hatcher 15 175 11.7 2 25.0

Kiero Small 14 96 6.9 1 10.7

Punt Returns No. Yds. Avg. TD

Javontee Herndon 6 35 5.8 0

Kick Returns No. Yds. Avg. TD

Korliss Marshall 12 264 22.0 0

Field Goals M-A Pct. 40+ Long

Zach Hocker 9-10 90.0 3-4 53

Tackles Solo Assist Total TFL

Braylon Mitchell 26 37 63 1.0

Alan Turner 25 37 62 0.0

Jarrett Lake 18 40 58 1.0

Eric Bennett 25 28 53 0.5

Interceptions No. Yds. Avg. TD

Tevin Mitchel 1 26 26.0 1

Ole Miss Individual Statistical Leaders

Passing C-A-I Pct.Yds. TD Yds./G

Bo Wallace 165-263-3 62.7 1,976 11 247.0

Rushing Att. Yds Avg. TD Yds./G

Jeff Scott 53 434 8.2 2 72.3

I’Tavius Mathers 49 327 6.7 2 46.7

Jaylen Walton 63 320 5.1 5 40.0

Barry Brunetti 35 174 5.0 3 24.9

Receiving Rec. Yds. Avg. TD Yds./G

Laquon Treadwell 41 385 9.4 2 48.1

Donte Moncrief 34 498 14.6 4 62.2

Ja-Mes Logan 30 386 12.9 2 48.2

Evan Engram 20 265 13.2 3 37.9

Punt Returns No. Yds. Avg. TD

Jeff Scott 5 98 19.6 1

Kick Returns No. Yds. Avg. TD

Jaylen Walton 15 293 19.5 0

Field Goals M-A Pct. 40+ Long

Andrew Ritter 10-13 76.9 6-8 52

Tackles Solo Assist Total TFL

Serderius Bryant 37 20 57 6.0

Cody Prewitt 33 15 48 3.0

Trae Elston 29 13 42 1.5

Tony Conner 23 17 40 2.0

Interceptions No. Yds. Avg. TD

Cody Prewitt 4 18 4.5 0

OFFENSE

Passing Yds (NCAA Rank)

Arkansas 144.1 (117th)

Ole Miss 272.1 (34th)

Rushing

Arkansas 211.1 (24th)

Ole Miss 190.1 (45th)

Total

Arkansas 355.3 (100th)

Ole Miss 462.2 (36th)

DEFENSE

Passing Yds (NCAA Rank)

Arkansas 206.8 (24th)

Ole Miss 214.2 (31st)

Rushing

Arkansas 179.0 (81st)

Ole Miss 165.1 (66th)

Total

Arkansas 385.8 (54th)

Ole Miss 379.4 (47th)

POSITION MATCHUPS

Quarterbacks

Arkansas’ Brandon Allen threw his first touchdown pass in 15 quarters against Auburn last week and has nine this season; Ole Miss’ Bo Wallace ranks fifth in the Southeastern Conference in total offense (266.2 yards per game) and fifth in passing (247.0 yards). He has 11 TDs against three interceptions.

Edge: Ole Miss

Running Backs

The Razorbacks’ Jonathan Williams and Alex Collins enjoyed their best performance in weeks against Auburn, combining for 196 yards; Ole Miss leading rusher Jeff Scott’s status is uncertain. Backups I’Tavius Mathers and Jaylen Walton have 647 yards and seven TDs this season.

Edge: Arkansas

Receivers

Arkansas receivers Javontee Herndon and Keon Hatcher combined to catch eight passes for 97 yards and a TD against Auburn. Julian Horton may play more today; Ole Miss freshman Laquon Treadwell has made an instant impact with 41 catches for 385 yards and two TDs.

Edge: Ole Miss

O-Line

Arkansas will start the same five (Travis Swanson, Denver Kirkland, Dan Skipper, David Hurd and Brey Cook) for the fifth straight game. Swanson will earn his 48th straight start; Ole Miss’ Laremy Tunsil — the nation’s No. 1 offensive tackle prospect in 2012 — has started five straight at left tackle.

Edge: Even

D-Line

Arkansas DE Chris Smith has seven sacks this season and 20 ½ in his career. He’s five sacks shy of equaling Wayne Martin’s career record (25 ½); Ole Miss expect star defensive lineman Robert Nkemdiche back from injury to provide depth for a solid group.

Edge: Arkansas

Linebackers

The Razorbacks plugged freshman Brooks Ellis into the MLB role last week and he’ll remain there today. Braylon Mitchell leads Hogs with 63 tackles; Ole Miss LB Serderius Bryant leads team with 57 tackles in six games. He ranks second in the SEC in tackles per game (9.5).